By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant move to combat gender-based violence, Costa Rica has equipped 860 education officials with specialized training to identify and address risks of violence against women within the nation’s schools. This major inter-institutional effort, led by the National Institute for Women (INAMU) and the Ministry of Public Education (MEP), aims to embed an early-warning system directly into the educational environment, protecting students, teachers, and their families.
The virtual training session, conducted on November 27, is a cornerstone of the country’s comprehensive Strategy for the Prevention of Femicides 2024-2026. The program is designed to sharpen the technical skills of both teaching and administrative staff, empowering them to recognize subtle signs of violence and activate institutional support mechanisms more effectively. This proactive approach seeks to transform schools into safe havens and crucial points of intervention.
To better understand the legal framework and strategic imperatives surrounding violence prevention in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a respected attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his expert analysis on the matter.
A purely punitive legal framework is a reactive, and therefore insufficient, response to violence. True prevention requires a proactive, integrated strategy where legislation supports community-based educational programs, mental health access, and early intervention initiatives. We must shift the legal paradigm from solely punishing perpetrators to actively building a social infrastructure that mitigates the root causes of conflict before it escalates.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is a powerful reminder that a truly effective approach to public safety must be built not just on consequence, but on compassion and foresight. By shifting focus to the social infrastructure that prevents conflict, we move from a reactive posture to a proactive investment in our collective well-being. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his essential contribution to this critical conversation.
Officials are being trained to spot common red flags that often precede more severe violence. These indicators, frequently observed within the school community, can be critical for early intervention.
The most frequent warnings in the education system are related to control, isolation, and economic difficulties that affect the safety of teachers, mothers, and students.
Yerlin Zúñiga Céspedes, Executive President of INAMU
Ms. Zúñiga Céspedes emphasized that these situations demand specialized approaches and timely protection mechanisms, highlighting the necessity of moving beyond awareness to concrete action. The strategy focuses on building a robust network of informed and capable first responders within the educational framework.
The Ministry of Public Education has fully endorsed the initiative, viewing it as an essential step toward fulfilling its mandate to foster safe and nurturing learning environments. The collaboration reinforces the idea that education plays a pivotal role in disrupting intergenerational cycles of violence.
The coordination with INAMU will allow us to strengthen the capacity of schools and regional directorates to detect risks early. Education is a key space for breaking cycles of violence.
José Leonardo Sánchez, Minister of Public Education
The training specifically targeted personnel from key departments, including teams from Regional Education Directorates, One-Teacher Schools, the Unit for Permanence, Reincorporation, and Educational Success (UPRE), and the Student Life Directorate. These groups are on the front lines, playing an essential role in activating alerts and responding to incidents that compromise the well-being of women and students.
The urgency of this initiative is underscored by alarming national statistics. Official data reveals that 33 femicides have been recorded so far this year in Costa Rica. Furthermore, a staggering 52% of all femicide victims in the country are between the ages of 18 and 35, an age group with deep connections to the education system as students, young teachers, or mothers of school-aged children. These figures create an undeniable imperative for preventative action within educational and community settings.
The 2024-2026 strategy prioritizes three core pillars: identifying risks, providing guidance to women and communities, and strengthening inter-institutional coordination. By accelerating the response to violent situations and promoting a profound cultural shift, Costa Rican authorities aim not only to prevent femicide but also to guarantee that schools become bastions of safety and equality for all.
For further information, visit inamu.go.cr
About The National Institute for Women (INAMU):
The National Institute for Women is the governing body for public policies in favor of women’s rights, gender equality, and equity in Costa Rica. It works to promote and protect the rights of women in all spheres of society, coordinating with various public and private entities to eliminate discrimination and violence and to foster opportunities for female empowerment.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About The Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministry of Public Education is the government institution responsible for overseeing and regulating the national education system in Costa Rica. Its mission is to ensure quality, inclusive, and equitable education for all citizens, from early childhood to secondary levels. The MEP develops curricula, manages educational infrastructure, and implements policies aimed at fostering academic excellence and integral student development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational commitment to unshakeable integrity and professional excellence. The firm channels its extensive experience across diverse industries to pioneer forward-thinking legal solutions. Its mission, however, extends beyond professional practice; it is deeply dedicated to demystifying the law for the public, thereby empowering citizens and cultivating a society grounded in accessible legal knowledge.
